Self-Help Tips

Hey!

The month of August signals the transition from our beloved summer to the school season!

With that being said, it's important to not be too caught up in external duties and to instead take time out of our busy weeks to cherish ourselves in ways that help.

 I wanted to include tips on ways to focus on ourselves. Try them out and see what works and what doesn't! 

1. Meditation 

Meditation is an ancient tool used by people in many parts of the world. Because of its diffusion across the world, meditation comes in many flavors. Some people practice mindful meditations and others  practice loving-kindness meditations. It is a practice that anyone, regardless of their race or backgrounds can partake in because it only requires YOU to be present. Meditation has been proven to lower stress, anxiety, and other forms of our suffering as noted by much research over the course of time. Not to mention, it's incredibly accessible. All you need to do is sit down, breathe, and watch your thoughts. Guided meditations are excellent ways to practice meditating, especially if you have not meditated before. All in all, meditation is steeped in rich history from Asian cultures and is intertwined with significant life principles.

2. Throw out things that don’t serve you 

Now, when you look at those pairs of jeans, do you still feel eager to wear them? Or are they there to just add a touch of clutter to your closet? Sometimes having a little too much of something can overwhelm us. When we get rid of an item and even donate them, we can maybe get a sense of relief and even some freedom. Konmari is an excellent example of honoring the things that have served us in the past while releasing them. Marie Kondo or also known as Konmari, encourages us to tidy our spaces by categories and keeping things that ‘spark joy’. Decluttering, overall, is incredibly helpful in being more appreciative of the things we see everyday in our lives while also creating more space to fill in with love. 

3. Listen to music

Music is extraordinary. We all know. In my opinion, music is a universal pastime. We all celebrate with music, we all cry with music, and we live through others with music. Without it, our lives would not be lined with rhythms or words that touch our souls so gently. We need it to express ourselves. If you feel sad, listen to those songs that soothe your tears. If you feel happy, blast that pop happy tune that makes your smile even more radiant. Or if you feel, maybe, love, play that sappy 80’s song that makes your heart swoon, as if you’re dancing with your crush. Whatever the occasion, don't be afraid to turn up the volume and be in tune with your emotions. 

Maybe you already do some of these things or maybe you have already tried these things and didn't enjoy them as much. Whatever the reason, it's ok. I wanted to remind people that each of our lives are so meaningful and special no matter how different we may seem. With that being said, taking time out of our busy days to pay attention to our needs is sometimes the best medicine to have.